Article
Environmental Sciences
Weeberb J. Requia, Claudia Costa Saenger, Rejane Ennes Cicerelli, Lucijane Monteiro de Abreu, Vanessa R. N. Cruvinel
Summary: High levels of air pollution around schools may pose a risk to children's health, and the impact of air pollution outside schools on academic performance is still limited. This study conducted a nationwide assessment in Brazil and found that increased levels of PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with decreased school-level academic performance.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Athanasios Besis, Anna Avgenikou, Ioanna Pantelaki, Eleni Serafeim, Eleni Georgiadou, Dimitra Voutsa, Constantini Samara
Summary: Hazardous organic compounds were detected in dust collected from kindergartens and elementary schools in Northern Greece, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers, brominated fire retardants, phthalate esters, organophosphate esters, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study found that children's exposure to these compounds through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption was below the health-based reference values.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chelsea A. Weitekamp, McKayla Lein, Madeleine Strum, Mark Morris, Ted Palma, Darcie Smith, Lukas Kerr, Michael J. Stewart
Summary: This study used monitoring data from 27 U.S. National Air Toxics Trends Stations from 2013 to 2017 to examine trends in cancer risk, finding higher risk in urban sites compared to rural sites, with some site-pollutant combinations showing significant changes. The study also identified a positive correlation between estimated cancer risk and percentage of low income population near monitoring sites. Despite most pollutant concentrations remaining stable, there were instances of both decline and increase in certain site-pollutant combinations over the study period.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kang Guo, Lijun Yan, Yifeng He, Hanyin Li, Su Shiung Lam, Wanxi Peng, Christian Sonne
Summary: With the development of highway construction and urban economy, automobiles have become essential means of transportation. This paper reviews the latest research progress in using phytoremediation technology to remediate the environmental pollution caused by automobile exhaust, and highlights the prospects for stereoscopic forestry.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarmad Ahmad Qamar, Mahpara Qamar, Aneela Basharat, Muhammad Bilal, Hairong Cheng, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: Population growth and industrialization lead to an increase in hazardous pollutants in the environment, prompting research on novel adsorbents for pollution mitigation; Nano-materials are being increasingly used in environmental remediation due to their unique characteristics such as electrical/chemical properties and quantum size effects; Sodium alginate is widely studied as a bioadsorbent material for its biocompatible, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly properties in removing various pollutants.
Review
Environmental Sciences
D. Vakalis, C. Lepine, H. L. MacLean, J. A. Siegel
Summary: This review examines the relationship between green building certification schemes and student performance outcomes in schools, finding that indoor air quality and acoustic performance are the building factors with the strongest research supporting associations with academic outcomes. Additionally, factors related to the school site and daylighting are identified as important targets for future research.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hsiao-Chun Huang, Ming-Lun Zou, Yi-Hua Chen, Chuen-Bin Jiang, Chih-Da Wu, Shih-Chun Candice Lung, Ling-Chu Chien, Yu-Chun Lo, Hsing Jasmine Chao
Summary: Indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics are associated with allergic diseases among preschool children. This study investigated the effects of indoor and outdoor air pollutants, fungal spores, endotoxins, and house dust mite allergens on allergic diseases. The findings suggest that biological contaminants have a more significant impact on allergic diseases than other pollutants, and home environmental characteristics (e.g., proximity to power facilities and gas stations) increase the risk of allergic diseases. Regular home sanitation and avoiding potential sources of pollution are recommended for protecting children's health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maneeshin Y. Rajapakse, Eva Borras, Alexander G. Fung, Danny Yeap, Mitchell M. McCartney, Fauna M. Fabia, Nicholas J. Kenyon, Cristina E. Davis
Summary: This study utilized a micro fabricated chip-based wearable air sampler to monitor the exposure of volatile chemicals on six teenagers during routine daily activities. The results indicated potential occupational hazards for certain participants, especially those involved in industries directly handling petroleum products.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaitlin Vollet Martin, Timothy J. Hilbert, Michael Reilly, W. Jay Christian, Anna Hoover, Kelly G. Pennell, Qunxing Ding, Erin N. Haynes
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic compounds that pose challenges in terms of disposal due to their ubiquity, persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and toxicity. Incineration is one disposal method, but research on the safety and effectiveness of PFAS incineration is lacking. The distribution and concentration of PFAS in soil samples surrounding an incinerator in East Liverpool, Ohio were examined in a pilot study. The results showed measurable amounts of various PFAS in all soil samples, highlighting the need for further research on PFAS disposal to improve environmental and health equity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaixin Huang, Matthew J. Eckelman
Summary: This study demonstrates a method to project HAPs emissions from industrial sectors in the United States using sector-based emissions data and scenario results. The results show diverse regional and temporal patterns among the 237 HAPs considered, with most HAPs having higher projected emissions in 2050 compared to the baseline year, but lower emissions when pollution control and technology improvements are taken into account.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eric D. Lebel, Drew R. Michanowicz, Kelsey R. Bilsback, Lee Ann L. Hill, Jackson S. W. Goldman, Jeremy K. Domen, Jessie M. Jaeger, Angelica Ruiz, Seth B. C. Shonkoff
Summary: The presence of hazardous air pollutants in natural gas may pose risks to human health. This study analyzed unburned natural gas samples from residential stoves in California and found significant regional variability in the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and total xylenes. The study estimated that leaked natural gas in California contributes to benzene emissions equivalent to nearly 60,000 light-duty gasoline vehicles, and that leakage from stoves and ovens can lead to indoor benzene concentrations exceeding health standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Carolien van Velzen, Marco Helbich
Summary: Green spaces around schools vary in availability across different socioeconomic groups in the Netherlands, with lower-income and less-educated neighborhoods having less access to green school outdoor environments. However, schools with subsidy schemes supporting schoolyard greening tend to have more green spaces. To promote environmental justice, comprehensive greening subsidy schemes should be implemented to ensure equal access to schoolyard green spaces for every child.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Murnira Othman, Mohd Talib Latif, Nor Diana Abdul Halim
Summary: Air pollutants have a significant impact on humans and the environment. This study analyzed the influence of air pollutant concentrations on the environmental performance of 15 states in Malaysia and found that air pollutants play a crucial role in achieving good environmental performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Georgeta Bocheva, Radomir M. M. Slominski, Andrzej T. T. Slominski
Summary: The increase in air pollution worldwide poses a global environmental risk to human health. The skin is exposed to harmful air pollutants, which can lead to cutaneous damage. UV radiation can activate photoreactive pollutants, enhancing their detrimental effects on the skin. Air pollution also reduces UVB radiation, inhibiting vitamin D synthesis and compromising cutaneous structural integrity. Moreover, air pollution can interact with skin microbiota and trigger or worsen skin diseases through oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in responding to (photo)pollution and targeting AhR/Nrf2 could be a promising treatment for inflammatory skin diseases caused or exacerbated by air pollutants. Hence, AhR and its downstream regulatory pathways are important signaling systems that regulate the skin phenotype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kartik Dhar, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: The metabolic flexibility of anoxygenic phototrophic purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) has been utilized in various biotechnological applications, including wastewater treatment and bioremediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants. However, the potential role of PNSB in the biodegradation of toxic organic pollutants remains largely unexplored, calling for further research.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muqiu Hu, Xin Zhao, Jinghan Gu, Lulu Qian, Zhiqing Wang, Yuanyuan Nie, Xiaoyu Han, Long An, Haiqiang Jiang
Summary: Due to its simple process, environmental friendliness, and low operating costs, biometallurgy has become a popular technology for metals recovering from low-grade ores and tailings. An optimized agar was used to isolate and grow functional bacteria, resulting in the successful isolation of six functional stains. These strains were further tested for their ability to leach metals from polymetallic sulfide tailings, with significant improvements observed when the strains were mixed together. The selection of leaching process should be based on tailings composition and target metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saqib Hassan, Aswin Thacharodi, Anshu Priya, R. Meenatchi, Thanushree A. Hegde, R. Thangamani, Ht Nguyen, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) is a compound that disrupts the function of the endocrine system and is found in the environment. EDCs, such as Bisphenol A and pesticides, have been shown to have negative effects on the female reproductive system. Understanding the relationship between EDCs and women's health is crucial for developing strategies to protect reproductive health and informing public policy decisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lichang Zhou, Zhaoling Li, Boyi Cheng, Jinqi Jiang, Xinqi Bi, Zongping Wang, Guanghao Chen, Gang Guo
Summary: Thiosulfate can promote sulfur-mediated bacterial activity, inhibit glycogen accumulating organisms, and enhance denitrification efficiency. After the carbon source is reduced, the competitive ability of glycogen accumulating organisms increases, resulting in reduced sulfate reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire E. Campbell, Devyn L. Cotter, Katherine L. Bottenhorn, Elisabeth Burnor, Hedyeh Ahmadi, W. James Gauderman, Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez, Daniel Hackman, Rob McConnell, Kiros Berhane, Joel Schwartz, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Megan M. Herting
Summary: Recent studies have found a connection between air pollution and increased risk for behavioral problems during development. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to investigate how exposure during the transition to adolescence may affect emotional behaviors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing-hong Liang, Ru-yu Yang, Mei-ling Liu, Ying-qi Pu, Wen-wen Bao, Yu Zhao, Li-xin Hu, Yu-shan Zhang, Shan Huang, Nan Jiang, Xue-ya Pu, Shao-yi Huang, Guang-hui Dong, Ya-jun Chen
Summary: This study examines the association between urban Green and blue spaces (GBS) exposure and Emotion and behavior problems (EBP) in youth populations. The findings suggest that higher exposure to GBS, particularly green spaces (GS) and blue spaces (BS), is associated with a decrease in the risk of developing total difficulties in young individuals. The joint effect of GS and BS may also contribute to the decrease in EBPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ruiz-Sobremazas, Mario Ruiz Coca, Miguel Morales-Navas, Rocio Rodulfo-Cardenas, Caridad Lopez-Granero, Maria Teresa Colomina, Cristian Perez-Fernandez, Fernando Sanchez-Santed
Summary: Air pollution is associated with a range of health issues and gestational exposure to environmental pollutants may be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. This study investigated the effects of oral gestational exposure to particulate matter (PM) on ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). The findings suggest that this exposure may lead to social deficits and abnormal gene expression related to neurotransmitter systems. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of air pollution on neurodevelopmental disorders and the neurotransmission systems involved.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yagmur Kabakci, Sadiye Kosar, Ozgur Dogan, Fehmi Gorkem Uctug, Osman Atilla Arikan
Summary: This study investigated the effect of electrohydrolysis pretreatment on municipal solid waste. The results showed that applying electrohydrolysis pretreatment increased methane production and reduced the time required for hydrolysis, suggesting it is a promising method to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanwu Zhao, Yaozhong Pan, Hanyi Wu, Yu Zhu
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of industrial zones on urban heat islands using remote sensing images and a novel spectral index. The research found that the contraction or expansion of industrial zones has a significant effect on land surface temperature. The results are valuable for environmental assessment and fine management of industrial cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bang Du, Zhongzhong Wang, Piet N. L. Lens, Xinmin Zhan, Guangxue Wu
Summary: This study investigated the performance, syntrophic relationships, microbial communities, and metabolic pathways of ethanol-fed reactors with different operational modes and solids retention times. The results showed that different microorganisms were enriched under different SRT conditions, and syntrophic bacteria related to methane production could be enriched under low SRT conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gokulan Ravindiran, Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam, Muralikrishnan Ramalingam, Gasim Hayder, Balamurugan Karupaiya Sathaiah, Madhava Krishna Reddy Gaddam, Senthil Kumar Muniasamy, Priya Arunkumar
Summary: The present study investigated the sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using waste algal blooms. The biochar produced by the marine algae Ulva reticulata was used to remove chromium, nickel, and zinc from aqueous solutions. The study examined the adsorbents' properties and stability using SEM/EDX, FTIR, and XRD. The results showed that the biochar had high removal efficiency for the toxic metals, and the packed bed column effectively removed the heavy metal ions. The Thomas and Adams-Bohart models were found to best fit the regression values, and desorption studies were conducted to understand the sorption and elution processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vignesh Vinayagam, Kavitha Nagarasampatti Palani, Sudha Ganesh, Siddharth Rajesh, Vedha Varshini Akula, Ramapriyan Avoodaiappan, Omkar Singh Kushwaha, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: The presence of pollutants in water contributes to global pollution and poses significant threats to humans and wildlife. Finding effective wastewater treatment techniques is crucial for reducing pollutant accumulation in the environment. This paper highlights recent advances in the electrochemical advanced oxidation method and other processes for treating pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticide-polluted effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. M. M. Ahmed, Kai-Yue Chen, Fang-Yu Tsao, Yi-Cheng Hsieh, Yu-Ting Liu, Min Tzou
Summary: This study investigated the sorption of citric acid onto humic acid-iron hydr(o)xide coprecipitate (HAFHCP) and the reciprocal effects of citric acid and P sorption on HAFHCP. The results showed that citric acid could increase P availability and have an impact on P sorption.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xibo Xu, Zeqiang Wang, Xiaoning Song, Wenjie Zhan, Shuting Yang
Summary: The selection of predictor variables is crucial in building a digital mapping model for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. Traditionally, spatial and spectral parameters have been used as predictor variables, but the temporal dimension is often overlooked. This study demonstrates the value of incorporating temporal indices in the model, leading to significant performance improvements. The temporal-spatial-spectral covariate combinations used in a random forest (RF) algorithm achieve satisfactory mapping accuracy and outperform other methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Pei, Xun Liu, Mengbo Cao, Zijun Wang, Hongbing Yang
Summary: Heteroatom doping can reconfigure the electronic structure of heterogeneous catalysts, leading to the development of advanced oxidation water purification materials with superior performance and stability. In this study, a series of catalysts with different elemental doping were prepared using a simple and environmentally friendly method. The S-doped NiCo2O4 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for the removal of Tetracycline, with significantly increased kinetic constant and high oxidation and mineralization efficiency in a wide pH range. The degradation process was dominated by non-radical oxidation pathway after S doping, and the overall process moved towards low toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Srivalli Thimmarayan, Harshavardhan Mohan, Gaddapara Manasa, Karthi Natesan, Shanmugam Mahendran, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Byung-Taek Oh, R. Ravi Kumar, Rangasamy Sigamani Gandhimathi, Arul Jayaprakash, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial degradation of naphthalene (NPT) isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil. Bacillus sp. GN 3.4, a potential bacteria for NPT biodegradation, was isolated and the optimal conditions for NPT degradation were determined. The study suggests that Bacillus sp. GN 3.4 could potentially aid in bioremediation by eliminating NPT from the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)